“Over the past year, members of ACC have invested close to $2 billion to enhance security as part of their commitment to the Responsible Care® Security Code, bringing the total investment to nearly $13 billion since 2001,” said Michael Walls, vice president of Regulatory and Technical Affairs. “We would like to work with DHS and Congress to build on these investments and help ensure that all chemical facilities are taking steps to protect their employees and communities.”

ACC and its members have worked closely with DHS to enhance CFATS implementation by developing important tools under the Alternate Security Program (ASP). These tools provide DHS with greater clarity about regulated facilities’ security measures and help facilitate a more effective working relationship between facility operators and DHS inspectors.

“The ASP initiative is an excellent example of how an effective public/private security partnership can create smart regulatory solutions that will benefit both the regulated community and DHS, while ensuring the security and safety of our infrastructure, our workers and our communities,” said Walls.

“During the Summit and going forward, we encourage DHS to pursue additional opportunities to improve the implementation of CFATS, including leveraging private sector security programs, increasing transparency of the process for tiering facilities and establishing a workable Personnel Surety Program (PSP),” Walls continued.

“Congress also has a critical role to play in this partnership, and we call on both the House and Senate to provide more regulatory certainty around CFATS. Congress can help by ensuring that DHS has the resources and oversight needed to keep this important program on track,” Walls concluded.